Numerical simulation on the optimization of the shroud structure and the air supply performance of air cooler by large eddy simulation and experiments

This study presents a newly designed shroud aimed at improving the air supply performance of the cold storage air coolers. A numerical model was developed using FLUENT software, optimizing four critical parameters of the shroud: outlet radius R1, transition length L, outlet radius R2, and outlet angle theta. The large eddy simulation turbulence model was employed for simulations. This study computes and analyzes two indices: the maximum air supply distance and the reachable range at 20 meters. Optimal levels for each parameter were determined, followed by orthogonal testing. The analytical results indicate that the ideal shroud parameters are as follows: outlet radius R1 = 60 mm, transition length L = 30 mm, outlet radius R2 = 50 mm, and outlet angle theta = 54 degrees. The optimized shroud increased the air delivery distance by 24.2% and the reach range by 34.95%. The optimal shroud was produced using three-dimensional printing, and experiments confirmed the simulation's reliability with an average error of 6.32%. The mean wind speed at the air cooler outlet's four detection surfaces increased by 84.7%, 77.63%, 72.88%, and 68.4%, respectively.